When it comes to stepping up in big moments, UConn’s freshman sensation Sarah Strong has proven time and time again that she’s built for the spotlight. On Saturday, in her first-ever NCAA Tournament game, Strong put on a show, delivering a stellar performance that left no room for nerves. With 20 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks, she was everywhere on the court, helping second-seeded UConn dominate Arkansas State with a crushing 103-34 victory in the first round at Gampel Pavilion.
But was she nervous? Not a chance. Head coach Geno Auriemma had no doubts about her readiness. When asked the day before if Strong might feel the pressure of her first tournament game, he dismissed the idea outright. “Absolutely not,” he said. “She had one game at Tennessee where she looked out of sorts. She had five turnovers—I thought she was horrendous. But she still finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. If that’s her bad game, then I’m feeling pretty good going into Saturday.”
And he was right. Strong, who had been a force throughout UConn’s Big East Tournament run with three consecutive double-doubles, kept that momentum rolling in dominant fashion. She shot an impressive 9-for-10 from the field, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, all in just 22 minutes of play. By halftime, she had already racked up 15 points, helping the Huskies build a jaw-dropping 66-16 lead.
“She doesn’t get rattled,” said sophomore Ashlynn Shade, who came off the bench to contribute 20 points. “For her to be a freshman and play with this much composure and maturity—it’s something really special.”
Azzi Fudd, making her long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament after missing last season due to injuries, led UConn with 27 points, seven assists, and six steals. She echoed the same sentiment about Strong’s poise. “You would never know it was her first NCAA Tournament game,” Fudd said. “The way she carries herself, she plays with confidence like she’s been here before.”
With this win, UConn (32-3) advances to the second round, where they’ll face the winner of Oklahoma State vs. South Dakota State on Monday at Gampel Pavilion. It’s a tournament-packed weekend for the Huskies’ fanbase, as the UConn men’s team is also set to battle top-seeded Florida in their own second-round matchup on Sunday afternoon.
For Strong, Saturday’s game was just another chapter in an already remarkable freshman season. Named the Big East Freshman of the Year, she has been a consistent force, scoring in double figures in 32 of UConn’s 35 games. Her numbers put her in elite company—she’s now fourth among all-time UConn freshman scorers with 563 points, trailing only Maya Moore (678), Paige Bueckers (581), and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (569). On the rebounding side, she’s now the program’s all-time freshman leader with 298 boards, surpassing even Moore (296). Oh, and let’s not forget—she’s tied with Moore for fourth place in freshman blocks with 59.
“It’s what she’s done all year, but it still never fails to amaze you,” Fudd said. “Seeing her perform on both ends of the court—it’s incredible. I wish I could do what she does.”
Auriemma has coached countless greats over the years, and he sees something special in Strong, especially when the stakes are high. “I think the moments that mean the most have been her biggest,” he said. “She’s mature beyond what I expected on the court, and it’s come out in the biggest moments.”
And if Saturday was any indication, she’s only getting started.
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